Tributes paid to popular Lemmy

Emma Spencer

Tributes have been paid to a popular Whitby dad who died in an early-hours horror car smash aged just 27.

Police have not officially revealed the identity of the driver of the car involved in the crash on the A171, but he has been named locally as married dad of two, Mark Leeman, known as “Lemmy” to his family and friends.

He was driving a black Vauxhall Corsa towards Whitby when the car left the road and hit a wall and a building at Skelly Farm, between the two Aislaby junctions, at around 2.20am in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Mr Leeman, who was a scaffolder, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem was carried out yesterday (Thursday) and an inquest is set to be opened and adjourned at a later date.

Flowers and football shirts, in Mr Leeman’s beloved Leeds United colours, have been left at the scene including a heart-wrenching children’s size top which has the words “We Love You Daddy XXXX” hand-written on it.

Another one hung from the metal safety railings now surrounding the remains of the farm building that the car hit reads “RIP Lemmy Marching On Together”.

Flowers have also been left at the scene this week with messages “Remembering All The Happy Times with the Fisherman’s Team” and “Tragically Taken Far Too Soon.”

Having close connections to the town’s local football and cricket clubs, a minute’s silence was held on Wednesday night in honour of Mr Leeman at a pre-season friendly between the newly formed First In Last Out pub team and Fylingdales 1sts.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision or anyone who saw the vehicle prior to the collision to contact the police. Dial 101, press 2 and ask for TC Martin Mulcaster in the Major Collision Investigation Team or email MCIT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk